Pokies: Facts and myths

This article busts some of the most common myths about pokies. Misconceptions about gambling can lead to financial problems, losses and disappointment after some time of playing. Read further a truth to some widespread myths.

Myth #1: Online casino operators use a special digital key or software to shift down a player’s edge in pokies. Casino administrators allegedly apply this “magic” tool when there are many online visitors on the website or when someone has won big.

Fact: You may call this win/loss adjustment tool a special key, a magic virtual button or a magic switch. The fact remains that such systems and devices do not exist. Besides, an online casino operator, a software owner and a pokie vendor are three separate entities, each having their own businesses and areas of responsibility.

Myth #2: Slot machine designers program a payout percentage, so the outcome of any spin is pre-determined, not random.

Fact: In both online and mechanical pokies, the reel stop position and the symbols displayed after the stop are determined randomly. A pokie engineer only attributes a specific digit combination to each winning amount possible, and its occurrence is absolutely random. Besides, an engineer programs a likelihood of winning in the form of possible digit combinations.

Myth #3: The odds of winning go up when playing at max.

Fact: A random number generator does not care about the amount you bet per spin. It randomly yields digit combinations without taking your bets into account.